Frequent Power Outages, Mayor & Residents Apprehend Suspected Wire Thief in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

A Myanmar national was apprehended early morning after residents and the mayor of Bang Rak Phatthana joined forces to catch a suspected electricity cable thief, following a series of unexplained power outages in the area.

The incident occurred around 05:00 on 4 May, near Chanthong Iam Alley, close to the Wat Phai Luang intersection in Village 4, Bang Rak Phatthana subdistrict, Bang Bua Thong district. The suspect, identified as Mr Aun 23, a resident of nearby Bang Yai district, was caught in possession of several lengths of electrical cable, a motorbike with no licence plate, tools, and drug paraphernalia.

Mayor Pitak Yusuk, who was alerted by locals, arrived at the scene and assisted in detaining the suspect while police were called. Residents had previously complained about frequent failures of street lighting in the area, prompting the mayor to encourage them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

According to Mayor Pitak, repeated thefts of public lighting cables had plunged sections of the community into darkness. On this occasion, two men were reportedly spotted arriving by motorcycle in the early morning hours. When confronted by locals, one suspect fled by jumping into a nearby canal, while the other was successfully detained.

Officers from Bang Bua Thong Police Station later arrived to take custody of Mr Aun. A preliminary drug screening revealed a positive result for methamphetamine. The suspect was subsequently transferred to Bang Bua Thong Hospital for drug testing confirmation and then taken into police custody for further questioning.

During interrogation, Mr Aun confessed to using drugs shortly before the attempted theft and named his accomplice as Mr Natthaphon, also known as “Nut”, who escaped the scene. Mr Aun also admitted that some of the wires in his possession had likely been stolen from elsewhere, as they did not match municipal cables.

Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking the second suspect.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-05-05.